Center for Yunnan Plateau Biological Resources Protection and Utilization, College of Biological Resource and Food Engineering, Qujing Normal University, Qujing 655011, China
Alviti Kankanamalage Hasith Priyashantha
Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Mahesh C. A. Galappaththi
Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Perth, WA 6150, Australia
Saowaluck Tibpromma
Center for Yunnan Plateau Biological Resources Protection and Utilization, College of Biological Resource and Food Engineering, Qujing Normal University, Qujing 655011, China
Dong-Qin Dai
Center for Yunnan Plateau Biological Resources Protection and Utilization, College of Biological Resource and Food Engineering, Qujing Normal University, Qujing 655011, China
Nimesha M. Patabendige
School of Medical, Molecular and Forensic Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia
Bhagya M. Premarathne
National Institute of Fundamental Studies (NIFS), Hanthana, Kandy 20000, Sri Lanka
Dinesh M. Kulasuriya
Postgraduate Institute of Science (PGIS), University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya 20400, Sri Lanka
Aseni N. Ediriweera
Centre for Mountain Futures, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, China
Thilina S. Nimalrathna
CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xishuangbanna 666303, China
Nakarin Suwannarach
Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Saisamorn Lumyong
Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Alvin Tang
Continuing and Professional Education Division, School of Continuing Education, The Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong 999077, China
Shi-Cheng Shao
CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xishuangbanna 666303, China
Samantha C. Karunarathna
Center for Yunnan Plateau Biological Resources Protection and Utilization, College of Biological Resource and Food Engineering, Qujing Normal University, Qujing 655011, China
The complex and diverse phenomenon of fungal bioluminescence has captured human curiosity. Nevertheless, in the field of studies, there are not many attempts made particularly to reveal the new species of these interesting fungi. This study comprehensively reviews the diversity, distribution, evolution, bioluminescence mechanisms, ecological roles, and potential applications of these fungi. Most importantly, we also present an updated list of the reported bioluminescent fungi (122) so far identified from five distinct evolutionary lineages worldwide—Armillaria, Eoscyphella, Lucentipes, Mycenoid, and Omphalotus—mainly in tropical and subtropical areas. Bioluminescent fungi are descended from the last common ancestor of the Mycenoid and the Marasmioid clades of Agaricales, which have been maintained for at least 160 million years of evolution. We underscore the potential for future research to understand the ecological role of bioluminescent fungi, inspiring hope and optimism for the future of this field.
